$214,923Average Value$123Average Price per Sq Ft69Homes For Sale
Positive changes are afoot in Little Egypt's economic hub
Marion’s prime location at the junction of Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 13 prompted its former mayor to give the Southern Illinois city of around 17,000 residents a grandiose nickname: “The Hub of the Universe.” Since the mayor's 55-year reign ended in 2018, the city has taken a more understated route, adopting “Oasis of Opportunity” as its new slogan.
Mottos aren’t the only thing changing around Marion these days. A downtown square riddled with vacant storefronts just over a decade ago is back near capacity, and the city’s population remains stable despite Illinois experiencing the country’s second-highest rate of population loss since 2010.
Along with Carbondale, which is about 15 miles west on Route 13, Marion is one of the primary population centers of the region that has been known as “Little Egypt” since the 19th century due to its fertile land between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
Murals bring new life to the now booming downtown of Marion, IL.
Bits & Pieces Art and Antiques is home to many unique finds in downtown Marion.
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Interstate 57 a key to sustained economic growth
While I-57 isn’t known to have brought visitors from across the universe, it does make Marion a key regional hub. The city is a popular stopping point for drivers traveling between Chicago and Memphis or St. Louis and Nashville.
The interstate also gives Marion employment stability. Aisin Manufacturing’s three plants produce auto parts such as sunroofs, bumper reinforcements and door locks. Southern Illinois's largest Pepsi bottling plant and distribution center is another major local employer. Marion United States Penitentiary, a federal prison built in 1962 to replace Alcatraz, is located about 5 miles south of town. Marion also has the only Veterans Affairs Hospital within a 45-mile radius.
Though it is a small regional airport, Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois offers daily nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare.
Rides Mass Transit operates three bus routes, including an intercity service to and from Carbondale.
Marion's own Aisin Manufacturing builds and distributes automotive parts for Toyota.
The Pepsi distribution center employs hundreds of locals in Marion.
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Nearby lakes and parks draw tourists
Marion is within a 30-minute drive of three major recreational lakes: Rend Lake, Crab Orchard Lake and Lake of Egypt. In the summer, pickup trucks and SUVs towing boats or jet skis through Marion are a common sight.
“They’re all fantastic lakes for recreation,” says Josh Benson, Director of the Marion Civic and Cultural Center. “We get plenty of tourism traffic for any of those three lakes, either boating or fishing.”
Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park and Ferne Clyffe State Park are all short drives from Marion. “Southern Illinois is really rooted in its outdoor experiences,” Benson says. "There are many outdoor activities and trails throughout Southern Illinois, and Marion is a great hub to access all of those.”
The Marion Park District manages nearly a dozen parks and recreational facilities in town. The largest city park, Pyramid Park, leans into the Little Egypt identity with the 18-hole Pharaoh’s Way Disc Golf Course. The city’s baseball and softball complex, Ray Fosse Park, is named after the former Major League All-Star catcher and Oakland Athletics broadcaster, who remains one of his hometown’s most revered sons.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Reserve has been a draw to Marion since 1947.
Marion has no shortage of trails in parks like Shawnee National Park.
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Historic downtown square is back in business
Marion’s historic downtown square is on the rebound. Benson estimates that close to three-quarters of storefronts near the square were vacant 15 years ago. Now, new businesses are moving in, including a brewery and music venue, which will open in the former City Hall building in early 2026.
The Marion Cultural and Civic Center is part of that reinvention. Built on the site of the vaudeville-era Orpheum Theatre, which burned down in 1997, the Civic Center incorporates the former theatre’s terra cotta facade in its atrium and is designed to resemble an ornate 1920s theatre. In addition to local theatre productions, touring acts like Patti LaBelle and Peter Frampton have performed at the venue.
Since 2020, the city and local businesses have commissioned 28 murals to be painted on buildings in and around the square, further enhancing the sense of renewal.
“Other communities started to see how much interest was garnered from investing in public art,” Benson says. “I don’t know that there’s a single town in Southern Illinois that doesn’t have a mural up at this point.”
The Marion Cultural & Civic Center is the city's premiere concert and event location.
Marion mural "Statue of Freedom" by Shawn Vincelette was painted on the Citadel building.
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Thrillbillies games provide a thrill
Marion has also transformed the square into its center for civic events in the 2020s.
A downtown Third Thursday event features a new theme each month, from a tailgate to celebrate the start of Marion High School’s football season to square dancing in the square. In December, Very Merry Marion features a light parade, holiday market, carriage rides and a downtown ice rink.
Summer fun is had at Mtn Dew Park, home of the Thrilllville Thrillbillies collegiate summer league baseball team. The Thrillbillies were awarded for the Prospect League’s best in-stadium experience in 2023 and 2024.
Lower property taxes a draw for some residents
Marion's median home value is around $190,000, less than half of the national median value. Move-in-ready cottages and bungalows can start as low as $55,000, while custom-built new traditional homes in newer subdivisions can range between $350,000 and $750,000. Williamson County's median property tax rate is about half a percent lower than that of neighboring Jackson County, prompting some people who work in Carbondale to live in Marion.
Cottages and bungalows are a common style of home in the older neighborhoods of Marion.
Modern ranch homes can be found along the outskirts of Marion.
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Marion High School campus part of city resurgence
Marion Community Unit School District No. 2 receives a B-plus rating from Niche. B-rated Marion High School moved into a new 330,000-square-foot building in 2017. The updated campus features a STEM lab, a performing and visual arts center and a technical and vocational education center. John A. Logan College is a community college in neighboring Carterville. Southern Illinois University is in Carbondale, and its sporting events are a major draw for the entire region.
Marion High School is home to 1,125 students.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is the closest college to the city of Marion.
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Warmer climate also carries a tornado risk
Marion has hotter summers, less harsh winters than most of Illinois and potentially volatile spring weather. A devasting EF4 tornado in 1982 killed 10 people and left around 1,000 residents without homes. The tragedy is memorialized in Marion’s square.
This Marion memorial honors those killed by a tornado and those who helped rebuild the city.
Marion gets the full spectrum of season with hot summers and cold winters.
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Written By
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On average, homes in Marion, IL sell after 205 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Marion, IL over the last 12 months is $205,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home built in 1978 with solid construction and thoughtful updates. Recent improvements include a new roof (2025), new hot water heater (2025), all-new flooring (2025), and a 5-year-old HVAC system for added peace of mind. The home features a functional single-level layout and a fully fenced backyard—perfect for pets or outdoor enjoyment. Located in Marion,
Welcome to 2710 Turnberry Drive—an exceptional opportunity to own a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in Marion IL that combines affordable luxury, modern comfort, and prime location. This larger almost 2900 sq ft home in prestigious Kokopelli Subdivision in Marion Illinois offers the space, features, and lifestyle today’s buyers are actively searching for. With over-sized living areas and a functional
36.6 Partially Fenced Acres, located on the north side of Longstreet Road, directly adjacent to the Marion Star Bond District. This property is inside of the Marion city limits and a large portion is already zoned commercial. Approximately 1000 ft. of road frontage; conveniently located between Interstate 57 & Route 37, with easy access to both. Much of the property has been recently cleared and
Cozy 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath home with an eat-in kitchen, "oversized" 12X40 attached garage with extra storage and remote, and 885 Sq Ft of efficient living space. Enjoy updates throughout, including updated kitchen walls, year old dishwasher, all new windows except bathroom window, new exterior vinyl siding, recently installed vinyl plank flooring in the utility room, and in the remodeled bathroom
Beautiful 3-bed, 2 full bath home all on one level and big open floor plan for living, dining and kitchen. Updated flooring and light fixtures. Great location close to the Spillertown area in a marvelous subdivision just outside of the heart of Marion. Give this one a look. Seller is motivated.
Much traveled Morgan Avenue could be that location you have been waiting for to move your existing business or start a new one. Good frontage on Morgan. Level Lot. Utilities. Drive by and check this location with high traffic count and visibility! Easy access to Interstate 57! TIF District.
Welcome home to carefree living in this beautifully maintained all-brick 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa located in a quiet, desirable subdivision just minutes from shopping, restaurants, and the hospital. With lawn care and snow removal included, you can enjoy a truly low-maintenance lifestyle! From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the wonderful curb appeal, attractive landscaping, and inviting
PERSONAL RESIDENCE, WEDDING VENUE, BED AND BREAKFAST . . . the possibilities are endless! This distinctive property is in a class by itself, with exceptional construction, quality and features. Sitting on 3.76 manicured acres, this custom built one owner home has 9000 SF of living space. The stately foyer boasts a curved staircase that makes a striking statement of what is to come throughout the
Make that move with your existing business or develop a new one with this 2.36 acres located on the much traveled Morgan Avenue, with easy access to the Interstate 57. Great location that you have been lookin for. All in a TIF District.
LAKE OF EGYPT, Waterfront Lot with utilities. A 2nd lot across the street has an approximately 32' x 24' Metal Garage with separate electric service. This is a perfect building site for your lake home, a flat lot with amazing water views and 100' of shoreline as well as a concrete retaining wall at the shoreline located in Marion School District.
Consider your options with this nearly one acre lot in the middle of Commercial Activity in Marion! Level Lot. All utilities available. Lot goes from one paved street to another, making for easy in and out.
BACK ON THE MARKET-No fault of seller! VA Appraisal passed and inspected with all matters taken care of. Move-in ready! Everything is shiny & new! This 3-bed, 2 1/2 bath home has been renewed and beautifully updated with modern colors and finishes. New lighting fixtures throughout and recessed lighting added in the open floor plan kitchen/dining/living room. New stainless appliances (never been
Looking for your weekend spot on the LAKE OF EGYPT? This property is located in Pyramid Acres Campground. It has a 36' Camper with a 12' x 30' addition built on. 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath with built on deck, a Double Carport as well as a stone patio with a firepit. Also includes a 1 slip covered boat dock with electric at the dock along with a jet ski dock attached. Comes furnished, includes Lawnmower
Shawnee Village Apartments. located in Marion, IL, is a combined Multi-Family and Independent Senior 62+ affordable community. Floor plans designed for families are our 1 Bed 1 Bath (595 sq ft), 2 Bed 1 Bath (798 sq ft), or 3 Bed 2 Bath (965 sq ft) apartment homes. The designated Senior floor plan is the 1 Bed 1 Bath (582 sq ft). Please note that eligibility for each floor plan size includes, but
Property Id: 2486739Serious inquiries, please fill out the pre-screener questions at and set up an account! Located 2 blocks from The Hub, this duplex has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Your access to one of the bathrooms is through the master bedroom. A Washer and Dryer hookup is in the mudroom leading off from the 2-car garage. There is an open kitchen that flows into the living
GOOD CREDIT REQUIRED | Background, Eviction & Credit Check for All Applicants 18+Welcome to this clean, well-maintained home located at 1819 Bridge Street in Marion—offering comfort, functionality, and easy living all in one. Step inside to a bright, open living space featuring durable vinyl plank flooring, neutral tones, and great natural light—perfect for everyday living or entertaining.
?? Completely Remodeled 2 Bedroom Apartment – Available Now in Southern Illinois! ? Apartment J on 11310 Norman Road is clean, and move-in ready near Spring Garden subdivision in a quiet, peaceful setting ?? The owner has worked hard to remodel this unit with beautiful flooring, fresh carpet in bedrooms, and updated finishes. Water and lawn care provided ?? It won’t last long! ? Rent is
2 bedroom 1 bath Apartment upstairs unit. This unit has washer and dryer hook ups in unit and great location close to everything in Marion ILNow Offering Marion Move in Special!!$250 off Security Deposit and $50 off original Rent Price! You won't want to miss this amazing deal!
Charming 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath Home in a Safe and Quiet CommunityWelcome to this cozy and inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath rental located in a safe, well-kept neighborhood. This home offers a comfortable living space, perfect for those looking for peace of mind and a place to call their own.The kitchen is currently being updated with brand-new stainless steel appliances, providing a modern
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